In the enchanting world of cinema, where stories come to life, Prasanna Vithanage’s masterpiece, ‘Paradise,’ has taken the film industry by storm. This captivating film, which recently had its South Asia Premiere at the prestigious 23rd Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, left the audience spellbound. Held from October 27 to November 5, 2023, this festival was the perfect platform for ‘Paradise’ to showcase its brilliance.

An Evening of Joy and Insight

The screening of ‘Paradise’ was nothing short of magical, as a packed house showered it with a heartwarming response. The audience was not only treated to an exceptional film but also a thought-provoking Q&A session with the talented cast and crew. Notable figures like Anjali Menon, the acclaimed writer-director of ‘Bangalore Days,’ ‘Koode,’ and ‘Wonder Women,’ and Nasreen Munni Kabir, who received the Lifetime Achievement award at the festival, graced the event with their presence. The lead actor, Darshana Rajendran, known for her roles in ‘C U Soon,’ ‘Hridayam,’ and ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey,’ was also in attendance.

A Triumph at Busan and Beyond

‘Paradise,’ a production of Newton Cinema and presented by Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies, recently secured the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award for Best Film at the Busan International Film Festival 2023. This award was the perfect testament to the film’s exceptional quality, and it marked the beginning of a remarkable partnership between the two production giants. Busan International Film Festival was the stage for ‘Paradise’s’ world premiere, where it first captured the hearts of the global audience.

Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Paradise’ Wins Kim Jiseok Award at Busan International Film Festival 2023

A Stellar Cast and Crew

The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran, Shyam Fernando, and Mahendra Perera. The crew behind this cinematic gem includes the brilliant Rajeev Ravi as the cinematographer, Sreekar Prasad as the editor, Tapas Nayak as the sound designer, and K as the music director. Shot against the breathtaking backdrop of Sri Lanka, ‘Paradise’ tells the story of a tourist couple on vacation, exploring their struggles with societal, personal, and internal challenges. Through their journey, they unravel profound truths about human nature.

A Dream Realized

Overwhelmed by the audience’s response, Prasanna Vithanage, the acclaimed filmmaker, shared his sentiments, stating, “It was my dream to create an Indian film, and with ‘Paradise,’ I’ve taken a significant step towards that dream. However, making the film is just the beginning. It needs to be shared with the audience, especially in Mumbai, the heart of the film industry. The packed screening filled me with happiness. Film festivals provide a platform for meaningful conversations about cinema, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

A Resounding Reception

Anto Chittilappilly, CEO of Newton Cinema, expressed his excitement, saying, “After our World Premiere at Busan, where we received the Kim Jiseok Award, it’s fantastic to have our South Asia premiere at Jio MAMI. The audience’s response has been nothing short of incredible, with their laughter and astonishment at the plot twists. It’s been a consistent and wonderful experience.”

A Transformative Journey

Darshana Rajendran, the lead actor, shared her unique experience, “Watching ‘Paradise’ in Busan was my first encounter with the film, and now, here at MAMI, it feels different. The extensive discussions and interactions have been enlightening. Every time we delve into the film, I discover something new, and my understanding of it deepens.”

An Insightful Perspective

Writer-director Anjali Menon was all praise for ‘Paradise,’ remarking, “It offers a remarkable exploration of the dynamics between male and female relationships. Additionally, the film cleverly weaves in the subtext of the Ramayana, opening up various avenues for interpretation. It not only questions the contemporary narrative but also delves into the depths of the Ramayana. The film challenges our core beliefs and the connection between humanity and nature. It uncovers multiple layers, political and emotional, emphasizing that narratives are never singular. That, for me, is the most significant takeaway from the film.”

In conclusion, ‘Paradise’ has truly established itself as a cinematic marvel, winning hearts not only at Busan but also in Mumbai. With its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes, it promises to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.